18 Agustus 2017

Anka armed drone (photo : gzt)Collaboration between Turkey and Indonesia in the defense industry and the military is increasing as the two countries are engaged in joint production of tanks, drones, submarines, weapons and radar systems.High-level diplomatic sources in Ankara told Daily Sabah that Ankara and Jakarta have recently intensified efforts to jointly develop defense industry mechanisms and share military experience.Medium TankIn this respect, a prototype for the Turkish-Indonesian tank has already been created and is set to partake in an official military parade in Jakarta in October. The sources did not provide the number of tanks that would be produced, but demand will be a determining factor.

Kaplan MT medium tank (photo : pentapostagma)Defense industry experts said the tank will weigh around 35 tons, and will have a 700-horsepower engine. There will be two tanks in the first leg of production, one for Turkey and one for Indonesia. The development cost for the medium-weight tank is estimated at $11.5 million. The FNSS, a subsidiary of Nurol Holding, which operates in the industry, eyes the production of 40 tanks, while that number could go up to 200 if Indonesia is satisfied.The KAPLAN MT tank is expected to make a powerful contribution due to its firepower and large ammunition options as well as its superior agility. A CMI Cockerill 3105 tower, equipped to fire high-pressured 105mm shells, provides the tank's firepower.

Type 214 - 1.800 tonnes AIP submarine (photo : TKMS)SubmarineOne of the striking points in the joint venture is the production of submarines. The senior sources stressed that Indonesia wants to gain know-how and the deal is near completion. Experts said that the Turkish defense industry is producing six submarines in Turkey's Gölcük shipyard under the license of ThyssenKrupp. The first submarine is set to be delivered in 2021.An Indonesian delegation has already paid a visit to Turkey to inspect the production process. There are only a small number of issues to be resolved before the two sides ink the deal, sources said. The first two submarines will be built in Turkey and the rest are planned to be jointly produced by an Indonesian company, experts said.The sources said a Turkish delegation, including company representatives, will be in Indonesia next week to discuss the latest details regarding the submarine deal and other projects. An Indonesian delegation will be in Turkey in early September.

N-245 aircraft (photo : AIN)Drones and AircraftAnkara and Jakarta have set their sights high, as the two countries are also engaged in projects to produce Turkish-Indonesian drones. Experts said Indonesia is willing to work on a model like the domestic drone produced in Turkey.Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has also recently reached a framework agreement with Indonesia's PT Dirgantara Indonesia aerospace company to design a 50-seat aircraft.Joint weapons production is not off the table, either. The two sides have not ruled out cooperation in the production of defense industry mechanisms.While the two countries find various areas of cooperation, radar systems have been a significant example of what a Turkish-Indonesian alliance can achieve. The sources said a radar system produced by Turkish companies is already in use on Indonesia's borders.The presidents of both countries portray a promising future for Turkish-Indonesian relations. "We agreed to expand our cooperation regarding submarine and drone building, and it will be followed up by teams from both countries," Indonesian President Joko Widodo said during a visit to Ankara in July. The Indonesian president asserted that Indonesia and Turkey are two countries with great potential to improve cooperation.President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also stressed the importance of improving bilateral ties when he was in Indonesia in the summer of 2015. Emphasizing that the two countries are in harmony at different international platforms, Erdoğan said strong political, social and economic ties forged between the two countries would benefit the people of Turkey, Indonesia and the world.See full article Daily Sabah

Spike missile onboard SSV (photo : Update)MANILA -- With the threats of long-range missile bombardment now a looming reality, there is a need for the Philippines to invest in missile defense technology to fully protect itself against these threats.This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday when asked on whether the country is planning to acquire such defensive capabilities in wake of North Korea's cancelled attempt to fire four intermediate-range missiles off the waters of Guam."Yes, definitely. Since future wars will be fought off with stand-off weapons, meaning those missiles launched from a great distances. We need to invest on defenses to protect ourselves," he added.While acquisition of these capabilities are not slated for Armed Forces of the Modernization Program (AFP) Horizon 2, which will run from 2018 to 2022, the DND chief said it is possible that the country might initially acquire detection capabilities before the actual missile batteries themselves.Horizon 2 is the phase where the AFP will begin the acquisition of multi-role fighters and other advanced weaponry.(PNA)

The Thales Australia Hawkei protected mobility vehicle. (photo : Thales)Australian composite specialist Quickstep Holdings is planning to withdraw from the Thales Australia programme to build Hawkei 4x4 light protected mobility vehicles for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), it has been confirmed to Jane's .The withdrawal is expected at the end of 2017 and follows Quickstep's announced intention to restructure its production activities, placing greater emphasis on the company's core carbon-fibre technologies. The restructure is intended to position Quickstep for "growth and profitability", according to the company.Quickstep's subcontractor involvement in the Hawkei programme is based on an agreement signed with Thales Australia in October 2014 through which the company, which is based in New South Wales, has been manufacturing glass-fibre composites for the vehicle including its bonnet, side skirts, and mud guards.A representative of Quickstep said in a statement, "Quickstep has undertaken a comprehensive review of all aspects of the Quickstep business, which was completed in July 2017."Quickstep confirms that subject to appropriate programme timing, the company will cease non-core programmes that do not fit with our future growth plans. This includes the Thales Hawkei project, which uses glass-fibre technology [that] is not aligned to Quickstep's business. We will complete current orders and plan to fill remaining orders through 2017."A Thales Australia spokesman said the company is working with Tasmanian firm Penguin Composites to provide bonnets and other composite assemblies for the Hawkei, adding that "it is not expected that this will affect the delivery of the project".Under a AUD1.3-billion (USD910 million) contract awarded in 2015, Thales Australia is leading the programme to build more than 1,000 Hawkei vehicles in collaboration with a wide range of Australian firms. Thales has segmented this supply work into around 30 major packages, including those related to heating, ventilation, and cooling systems; bonnet assembly; pneumatic and hydraulic systems; plastic components; and engine casings.(Jane's)

17 Agustus 2017

Insitu ScanEagle UAV (photo : Insitu Inc)Insitu Inc., Bingen, Washington, is being awarded $7,407,625 for firm-fixed-price order N00019F0235 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-17-G-0001) for the procurement of six ScanEagle unmanned aircraft systems, related support equipment, training, site activation, technical services, and data for the government of the Philippines. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington, (70 percent); and Hood River, Oregon (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2019.

ScanEagle's sensor (photo : dutchdefencepress)Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $7,407,625 are being obligated at the time of the award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.(US DoD)

An RSAF F-15SG from the Peace Carvin V Detachment taking off from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. (photo : Sing Mindef)The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be participating in the United States Air Force (USAF)-hosted Exercise Red Flag - Nellis at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, United States, from 14 to 25 Aug 2017 (US time). The RSAF will be deploying eight F-15SG fighter aircraft and more than 100 personnel from its Peace Carvin V detachment in Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, to participate in this large-scale air combat exercise. The other international participants are from Saudi Arabia and the United States (US), with observers from Chile, Oman and Romania.

Exercise Red Flag - Nellis is a high intensity air-to-air combat exercise involving up to 100 aircraft including the Saudi Arabia's EF-2000 Eurofighter Typhoons and the USAF's F-22, F-16C/D, F/A-18C/D fighter aircraft and E-3A airborne early warning aircraft. The participating countries will engage in a series of realistic and challenging air-to-air and air-to-ground training missions. The training conducted during the exercise will allow the participants to hone their combat readiness and sharpen their operational capabilities.

The RSAF has been participating in Exercise Red Flag - Nellis since 1982. The exercise underscores the excellent and long-standing defence relationship between the United States and Singapore. It also enhances professionalism and interoperability among the participating forces, and provides the RSAF an opportunity to benchmark itself against other leading air forces.(Sing Mindef)

KD Maharaja Lela 2501 first of Littoral Combat Ship (photo : MMP)SHAH ALAM: RMN’s first of class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) will be launched next week at Boustead Naval Shipyard in Lumut. The launch of the ship marks the countdown into service of the LCS in 2019.The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah is expected to officiate the ceremony on Aug. 24 though in keeping with naval traditions, Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim is expected to launch the ship and named her as Maharaja Lela. She will be given the Kapal Diraja prefix when she is commission into service, hopefully in 2019.RMN chief Admiral Kamarulzaman Badaruddin confirmed the launch ceremony and the name of the ship when met at the Defence Ministry today.The navy which had surveyed the public to choose three themes – Warrior, Weapons and Valor – as the names for the LCS, had apparently chosen the Warrior, hence Maharaja Lela as the first of class. And keeping with naval tradition the first of class will take up the 2501 pennant number.

KD Maharaja Lela 2501 first of Littoral Combat Ship (photo : Malaysian Defence)It is likely that RMN had chosen the pennant number in keeping with its stand that it is an LCS, a new class of warship and not a corvette or a frigate. The new ship will not looked like the Egyptian Gowind at its launch as the panaromic mast has been installed on the ship prior to the launch.Meanwhile, Malaysia has become the second ASEAN country after Thailand to be elected to the State Partnership Program initiated by the U.S Defense Department. Malaysia signed the SPP with the Washington National Guard at a ceremony today (Aug. 16). officiated by Chief of Defence Force Jen Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor.Raja Affandi says through the SPP, the Malaysian Armed Forces with the Washington National Guard will not only carry military cooperation activities – joint training exercises – but also social development activities.As a first step, MAF and WANG have carried out a series of joint exercises through Exercise Bersama Warrior, from Aug. 6 to 18 in Mentakab, Pahang and Kluang, Johor. This cooperation will be further expanded in the future for the benefits of both parties.(Malaysian Defence)

Medium tank for AFP defines weighing 40 tons or more (photo : IDET)MANILA -- Instead of heavily-armored and gunned main battle tanks, the Department of National Defense (DND) is looking at the possibility of acquiring some medium tanks for its armored units.This was emphasized by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when asked by the PNA Wednesday on whether the ongoing conflict in densely-packed Marawi City, where Maute Group terrorists converted concrete houses and buildings into fortified fighting positions, necessitates the acquisition of a main battle tank fleet."Not really. We do not expect a lot Marawi-type conflict in the future. Therefore a couple of medium tanks would do: for contingency in urban warfare and for training," he added.Lorenzana also defines main battle tanks as vehicles weighing 40 tons or more and carrying a large-caliber gun while medium tanks are those weighing 20 tons or less and equipped with a medium-caliber but powerful cannon but capable of breaching reinforced concrete walls.As this develops, Mechanized Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Emman Adriano said they are now using with great effect the newly-acquired armored vehicles in their ongoing operations in Marawi City."Our current capability can surely sustain the operations in Marawi City," he added.Adriano earlier said a large portion of the country's armored assets are now seeing action in the ongoing operations to clear Marawi City of the remaining Maute Group terrorists."(Armored assets deployed ) are four mechanized battalions, one cavalry squadron and one light armored troop. All of our newly acquired armored vehicles are now deployed in Marawi City," he said. These units consists of more than 120 armored vehicles of various types. (PNA)

Blast testing for Rheinmetall Boxer (photo : Aus DoD)Blast Testing Done And DustedA final series of blast tests have been completed on the two shortlisted contenders vying to become the Australian Defence Force’s new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle.To assess their survivability, Rheinmetall’s Boxer and BAE Systems Australia’s AMV-35, were exposed to simulated mine blasts at Defence’s Proof and Experimental Establishment at Graytown in Victoria.Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the blast tests were conducted under the wheels and under the belly of the vehicles, and represented a final trial by fire.“The aim of this project is to deliver a world-class armoured fighting vehicle which can take a hit, and protect our soldiers,” said Minister Pyne.“Importantly, these trials have been conducted by Australian soldiers who will operate these vehicles when they are delivered, closely supported by Defence Science and Technology Group staff.”

Blast testing for BAE Systems AMV-35 (photo : Aus DoD)The tests are the final phase of a rigorous program designed to put the two vehicles through their paces in a range of operating environments.“During the last 12 months, the vehicles’ protection, lethality and usability have been measured and assessed,” Minister Pyne said.Defence will buy 225 CRVs costing between $4 to $5 billion.The LAND 400 Phase 2 team has worked hard to increase opportunities for Australian industry participation in this program.“The project secures the ADF’s sovereign CRV expertise and over 1000 jobs across more than 300 Australian based companies,” said Minister Pyne.“The winner will be announced in the first half of 2018.”(Aus DoD)

15 Agustus 2017

An upgraded Republic of Singapore Air Force Boeing CH-47SD Chinook flies in formation with an AH-64D Apache over Singapore's Central Business District during the country's annual National Day Parade on the 9th of August. (photo : DefenseNews)MELBOURNE, Australia — Singapore’s fleet of Boeing AH-64 Apache attack and CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters are being fitted with defensive suites from Elbit Systems as part of survivability and mission capability upgrades.Close examination of photographs of upgraded Apaches and Chinooks of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, or RSAF, show that they have been fitted with missile approach and laser warning systems that look identical to that offered by Elbit as part of its All-in-Small integrated electronic warfare suite.A spokesman from Singapore’s Ministry of Defence had earlier confirmed that the RSAF “is equipping the AH-64D with new mission systems to enhance the helicopter’s survivability and improve its mission capability,” adding that the “upgrading programme involves equipping the AH-64D with a Helicopter Integrated Electronic Warfare System (HIEWS) to enhance survivability and SATCOM for more robust communications.”The helicopters are also fitted with rectangular-shaped radar warning receivers, or RWR, similar to that carried on RSAF’s AS332M/M-1 Super Puma medium-lift helicopter fleet, which had its upgrades completed earlier this decade. Sources have confirmed to Defense News that these RWRs are also an Elbit product, although the company declined to confirm that Singapore was a customer for its helicopter defensive suite.

RSAF Chinook and Apache (photo : RSAF Media)Defense News understands that a single RSAF Apache has undergone the upgrade so far. This was an aircraft that was severely damaged during a heavy landing in 2010 and only recently repaired into flyable condition and upgraded. At least three of RSAF’s 10 CH-47SD Chinooks have also undergone the upgrades to date.With the upgrades, RSAF’s Apaches and Chinooks will be equipped with SATCOM “for more robust communications,” according to the ministry. A SATCOM dome has been fitted onto the outer leading edge of each of the upgraded Apache’s stub wings, similar to that on Israel’s AH-64D Sarafs, for full 360-degree coverage while the upgraded Chinooks have a SATCOM dome on the top of the fuselage in between the twin rotor booms.The upgrades are being carried out by RSAF and the country’s Defence Science and Technology Agency, or DSTA, which has provided further details of the Chinook upgrade. These include replacement of the existing avionics suite and the installation of new mission systems that incorporates new flight control modes and a personnel locator system, a position and status reporting system and a new dual rescue hoist.DSTA had also proposed improvements to the software design of the digital Automatic Flight Control System to the Chinook’s handling qualities and accuracy in the hover, although it is not known if these have been carried out on the upgraded helicopters.(DefenseNews)